Contra Costa County and many other cities in the County prohibit smoking in a variety of outdoor areas. Oakley has now joined those other jurisdictions. Smoking is prohibited on city‐owned property, such as at parks, sports facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, plazas and similar areas. Smoking is also prohibited on streets and sidewalks that are closed for special events, such as farmers’ markets, parades and festivals.
Smoking is also prohibited on some privately‐owned properties that are generally open to the public, including outdoor restaurant dining areas, swap meets, nurseries, temporary outdoor sales areas and bus shelters.
The existing ordinance prohibiting smoking indoors in areas frequented by the public, such as restaurants, stores and offices, continues in effect.
The new ordinance also regulates e‐cigarette use. E‐cigarettes are treated in the same manner as tobacco use, and are banned in indoor areas and the designated outdoor areas. Minors are prohibited from using e‐cigarettes unless inside their homes with the consent of a parent or guardian.
In discussing the new ordinance, the City Council received information from reliable sources that e‐cigarette vapor contains carcinogenic and other harmful materials. The vapor can also be a nuisance to persons near to where an e‐cigarette is being used, the majority of the City Council determined.
The new ordinance will take effect on August 8, 2014.
Looks likes I won’t be spending much time or money in Oakley. Sad.